Raashi Ramanan
Research Mentor(s): Jens-Christian Meiners
Mentor Department: Biophysics / Physics
Authors: Raashi Ramanan, Ryan Kersten, Roman Alvarado, Jens-Christian Meiners
Session: Session 4 (1:00pm – 1:50pm)
Presentation Type: Poster 109
Abstract
Spinal Cord Decompression Sickness is a serious illness particularly prevalent among divers, involving various severe conditions and risks- from joint pain to, in extreme cases, paralysis and death. SC-DSC arises from the formation of gas bubbles in the spinal cord, amidst tissue that can be described further as gray and white matter. This study utilizes finite element modeling, through the platform COMSOL, in order to simulate spinal cord mechanics (mechanical deformation) and gas diffusion by developing a model of the distribution of stress, under varying conditions of compression position, strain rate, and compression volume. Knowing that intracord stress is linked to strain rates, understanding this relationship mathematically would help us demonstrate the presence of bubbles in the spinal cord as scientists address decompression sickness. To achieve this, we have been collecting experimental data by stretching and relaxing bovine cervical spinal cord samples. We are particularly looking at nonlinear models to accurately reflect this data- and are currently exploring the hyperelastic model, with materials parameters informed by measurements on our bovine samples. Representing our relationships as differential equations, we can evaluate the stress and strain effects of the bubbles on spinal cord tissue over time. Despite challenges faced during experimentation and simulation, we are making progress towards identifying an accurate model- all with the goal of understanding spinal decompression sickness and its mechanics.
